Emergency Call Systems & Nursing Care Insurance: When Are Costs Covered?
Home emergency call systems have become an indispensable part of everyday life for many older people, those living alone, or individuals with health risks. They make it possible to quickly summon help in an emergency, thus preventing serious consequences. But what about the costs involved – and in which cases does the long-term care insurance cover the fees for such a system? In this article, we provide a clear overview of the requirements that must be met, how cost coverage works, and what possibilities modern mobile solutions like the Gardia emergency call wristband offer.
As early as care level 1, the monthly costs for the CarePlus subscription can be covered by the long-term care insurance. Find out more here.
Costs for Home Emergency Call Systems
Prices vary depending on the provider and the system's range of functions. Generally, two types of costs arise:
Acquisition Costs
These are one-time costs and include the purchase of the emergency call device. Depending on the system variant, manufacturer, and additional functions, prices can vary significantly.
Monthly Fees
The monthly costs cover central services such as:
- 24/7 accessibility of the emergency call center
- technical monitoring and maintenance
- functional checks of the devices
These fees typically range between 20 and 50 euros per month, depending on the scope of service.
Whether a system is stationary or mobile, whether it has automatic fall detection or uses GPS, often greatly influences the costs with traditional providers. Mobile innovations like the Gardia emergency call bracelet combine all functions with easy operation – and are cheaper than conventional home emergency call systems.
Tips for Cost Coverage by the Nursing Care Insurance
For many people, a personal emergency response system can be an organizational or financial challenge. In Germany, however, there are various ways to receive support – especially through long-term care insurance funds.
Cost Coverage by the Long-Term Care Insurance Fund
If you have a care level, you can apply for cost coverage. The long-term care insurance fund usually covers the monthly fees, provided the following conditions are met:
- at least care level 1
- you live alone or cannot independently call for help in an emergency
- health limitations make an emergency call system necessary
In cases of regular dizziness, risk of falls, cardiovascular problems, or limited mobility, long-term care insurance companies often approve an emergency call system more quickly.
Application Submission
The application will be submitted to your long-term care insurance fund. This includes:
- completing the form in full
- information on your health situation
- proof of care level
The review process can take several weeks.
The Gardia Emergency Bracelet at a Glance
The Gardia emergency wristband with automatic fall detection is a modern emergency call solution suitable for both at home and on the go. It is designed to request help immediately and reliably in critical situations.
Gardia Wristband Functions (CarePlus Subscription)
- integrated eSIM with unlimited data volume
- manual emergency call via button
- automatic fall detection (also with Basic subscription)
- direct voice connection in case of emergency
- precise GPS positioning
- multilingual 24/7 emergency call center
- up to six emergency contacts manageable
- can also be used without your own emergency contacts
- cancellable at any time
If you have statutory health insurance, you can apply directly to your long-term care insurance fund via Gardia, and you will usually receive a decision within 2–3 weeks.
When does the long-term care insurance cover the costs for the Gardia emergency call wristband?
To have the monthly costs of the CarePlus subscription covered, the following conditions must be met:
- at least care level 1
- primarily living in one's own home
- health situation suggests an imminent emergency
- help cannot be obtained quickly enough by oneself in an emergency
Cost coverage by the long-term care insurance fund is possible under certain conditions, and the application process is simple and transparent. If your application is rejected, there is still the option to use the service independently to benefit from the many advantages of this innovative system.
Application Step by Step
1. Preparation
You will need:
- Care level decision
- Long-term care insurance number
- Insurance number
- Contact details of the long-term care insurance fund
2. Application via the My Gardia App or online
The app guides you clearly through the individual steps – for new and existing customers alike.
3. Review by the long-term care insurance fund
Processing can take up to three weeks.
No additional costs are incurred during the review.
4. Check status
The processing status can be viewed in the app, in the portal, or via the link in the confirmation email.
From which care level are the costs covered?
Starting from care level 1, monthly fees can already be reimbursed.
Does the long-term care insurance also cover mobile emergency call wristbands?
Yes, if they contribute to ensuring home care.
Will the purchase price be covered?
As a rule, no. The long-term care insurance fund only covers the monthly fees.
Do I have to pay during the trial period?
No, there are no additional costs incurred while the application is being reviewed.
How long does the processing take?
The long-term care insurance fund usually needs two to three weeks.
"Before, I was really afraid of falling and not being able to call for help. With Gardia, I have more freedom in my daily life again – that makes a huge difference."
